Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Designed by Ruud-Jan Kokke, this slat chair was produced by the Dutch manufacturer Spectrum, in 1986 as part of their series called “Kokke-Chairs”.
The frame is manually assembled and it is made of oak, while the resilient slats are made of sprung ashwood. The slats that comprise the seat and backrest cross in a refined manner, showing the creative design of Kokke and the precision of the manufacturer.
In line with Kokke’s design philosophy, this chair is strong and comfortable, produced with refined technique. The Kokke slat chairs exemplify that a thorough knowledge of materials paired with well thought out construction benefit the form. This model is particularly successful in reaching a balance between material, form and functionality.
This chair model is included in various museum collections, including the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Cologne, and the Design Museum in Copenhagen.
The model was reintroduced by Spectrum in 2011 and is currently being manufactured in small series.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
20.08 in W x 20.48 in D x 28.94 in H; Seat height 16.15 in
51 cm W x 52 cm D x 73.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
About the designer:
Ruud-Jan Kokke was born in 1956 in Velp, The Netherlands. He completed his studies at the Social Academy in Enschede and the Academy of Visual Arts in Arnhem. In 1986, Kokke established his own design firm, Ruud-Jan Kokke Product & Design, commonly only referred to as ‘Kokke’. Since the establishment of his firm, Kokke’s furniture designs have been produced by companies such as Spectrum, Mobach and Kembo.
His first interior designs date from the 1990s and have established the designer as a prominent figure in contemporary Dutch design. In addition to autonomous products, Ruud-Jan also collaborates with other designers for the décor of schools, companies, government buildings and public areas. His designs can be found in the Chabot Museum, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, and many of Arnhem’s public spaces, including the Arnhem Museum.
Kokke has a strong and articulated design philosophy that revolves around the balance of simplicity and functionality. Despite – or perhaps actually because – their simplicity and obviousness, his designs inevitably attract the attention. His designs present high technical and visual quality with an inventive character. Kokke’s work has been awarded many times, both nationally and internationally. Several of his designs have already been characterized as design classics and are included in the collections of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Belgian Brutalist furniture design in the 20th century mirrored the country's complex cultural and political tapestry. Nestled between the influences of neighbouring European design powerhouses, Belgian designers carved a distinctive niche that blended functionality with an uncompromising commitment to artistic expression.
The Brutalist movement, though often associated with architecture, influenced furniture makers who explored volume, geometry, and materials to create designs that were both functional and sculptural. Emerging during the mid-twentieth century, the movement favoured solid timber, bold proportions, and exposed joinery, allowing the inherent qualities of the mediums to shape the final design. These benches are distinguished by their commanding simplicity. Broad solid oak planks form both the seats and backrests, their dimensions conveying a sense of strength. The design is defined by the long horizontal lines, the impeccable joinery, and the natural, raw beauty of the oak. The backrests appear to hover above the seats on diagonal supports. The natural splits, knots, and variations in the grain have been preserved on the surface through the passage of time, reinforcing the individuality of each bench and highlighting the character of the oak. The dark tone further enriches the look, lending depth to the broad surfaces while accentuating the tactile quality of the material. These benches can be incorporated into any space thanks to their classic look, not to mention the functionality.
Whether placed opposite one another, alongside a dining table, or within an entrance hall, the pair possesses a sculptural presence that extends beyond their practical function. Their restrained vocabulary reflects the essence of Belgian Brutalist design without excess or embellishment.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. Some cracks are present. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
Bench 1
98.22 in W x 17.71 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat Height 16.14 in; Seat Depth 14.17 in
249.5 cm W x 45 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat Height 41 cm; Seat Depth 36 cm
Bench 2
98.42 in W x 18.89 in D x 30.51 in H; Seat Height 15.94 in; Seat Depth 14.56 in
250 cm W x 48 cm D x 77.5 cm H; Seat Height 40.5 cm; Seat Depth 37 cm